Brighton charity helping homeless in a more cashless world

BHT Sussex, a charity that helps homeless people, is making it easier for people to help their cause by installing a 'tap to donate' device at its office in London Road, Brighton.

People can simply tap their card or phone on the device, mounted in the office window, to donate £3 to the charity.

BHT Sussex is the first charity in Brighton to set up a permanent contactless public donation point in this way. The charity wants to make it easier for people to donate to homeless people.

READ MORE: Hunt for thug who attacked homeless man in Crawley

Fewer people are carrying cash because of the pandemic and the potential transmission of germs, plus the increasing use of contactless payments. This has meant less money is being given to rough sleepers.

Some charities believe that it is best not to give cash straight to homeless people as there is a worry it could lead to drug and alcohol addictions.

Money raised by the device will be used to support people who are rough sleeping, accessing the First Base day centre, those at risk of homelessness, and those receiving support from their advice centres.

More people are using contactless payments rather then carrying cash

First Base is a centre that provides hot food, warm showers and clean clothes to people in need. It has remained open throughout the pandemic and has helped provide emergency accommodation in some case.

Juliet Hinton-Smith, community fundraising officer, said: "Like many charities, we are seeing fewer donations coming through our traditional collection buckets and tins in local shops, as the pandemic has meant people are far less likely to carry cash.

"Sadly, the problem of homelessness has not gone away, and people often tell us they want to be able to do something about it but feel powerless to know what to do.

READ MORE: Eddie Izzard and Sally Gunnell support Sussex YMCA event

"This new tap to donate facility makes the most of new technology and our office's central location opposite Aldi in London Road, to provide a quick and convenient way for people to help.

"We are so grateful as always for the generosity and support of people in our city.

Those wishing to donate can do so the next time they pass the windows of BHT Sussex's offices at London Road, or they can look up the other ways to donate or find out more on their website, bht.org.uk.